Maybe it’s the sun, or maybe the heat, or the kids being on Summer Break. But something about the summer just makes you want to spend.
While you may not be able to save money on your air conditioning bill, there are ways to make sure that by the end of the summer you haven’t accumulated debt. Here are four common financial mistakes that will cause you to tighten your financial belt come fall.
- Treating every day as a vacation. The sunny weather may force you from your normal routine, enticing you to go out on weeknights. But while it’s important to make the most of your summer, know that it can add up. Remember that you cook dinner for yourself often because it tends to be cheaper. Pick and choose where to spend your extra cash but remind yourself that just because its warm out, it doesn’t mean you’re on vacation.
- Not taking advantage of free events. Cities across the nation amp up the amount of free events for their residents in the summer. For example, many cities have free movie screenings in parks for you to watch while sitting on a blanket with a picnic. From free concerts to festivals, the events are meant to help everyone enjoy their summers.
- Spending more than your means at summer sales. Summer is the time that retail is looking to get rid of last season’s looks. Sales are everywhere, be it online, in department stores or boutiques. The sales make it a great time to update your wardrobe or find necessities at a cheaper price than you would have spent, but the sales can be too enticing. Don’t spend more than you can on items you won’t use. Do you really need those boots when you already have a similar pair? Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale.
- Overspending on your vacation. It’s a perfect time to use up your vacation days. But as you plan where to go, know that the difference between locations can add up. Will you travel by air? If you drive, how much will gasoline cost? Will you stay in a hotel or with family? Indulge but don’t make a decision that will put you in the red. If you’re going abroad, check exchange rates and go to a location where the dollar will go farther.